The future of agriculture could also mean the future of energy.
Dickinson College has an 80-acre farm that uses an anaerobic digester.
Waste can be converted into biogas and it is fairly easy.
“You just mix cow manure with water, heat it, and keep the air out,” says Matt Steiman, associate director of Dickinson College Farm. “Anaerobic digestion happens and biogas is produced.”
With the help of specialised machinery, the biogas is converted into electricity to power the farm.
Gov. Josh Shapiro is trying to rally support for various aspects of his proposed fiscal 2024 budget, highlighting how a proposed $10.3 million increase for agricultural innovation would help.
His proposal, wrapped up in a bill recently sent to the Senate from the state House of Representatives with bipartisan support, would create the Agriculture Innovation Grant Program.
Sens. Ryan Aument (R-Lancaster) and Elder Vogel Jr. (R-Beaver) have introduced similar legislation in the Senate.
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding said the creation of the innovation fund could benefit the state in a number of ways.
“Ultimately, it’s important for the economic competitiveness of agriculture,” he says. “What we do with food waste is also important for society. [to] We generate energy. What we do matters to the environment.”
Republican Rep. Thomas Katz of Cumberland said funding for agriculture projects is not a partisan issue.
“This is an issue we can all support,” he said. “We need to preserve a way of life that requires investment in our farmers and agricultural communities, not just on their current farms, but to foster workforce expansion through agricultural opportunities through career and skills development.”
Pennsylvania’s agriculture industry generates approximately $132 billion in annual revenue and supports approximately 600,000 jobs.
The House of Representatives and the Senate will meet in session for seven days starting June 24 to pass a budget bill that is due to expire on June 30.
